Landcare Research Strategic Focus Milestones
Increasing the value of our science: The scope of our research and the ways in which we engage with our stakeholders are informed from a series of case studies
We have completed a series of case studies with stakeholders and end-users of our research from which we have identified a series of internal and external values for our science. These values have been incorporated into a values framework that is being used to (i) develop leading indicators of the value and likely impact of our research, and (ii) ensure we identify and deliver on all the values relevant to new research we are planning.
Enhancing environmental information: National and regional environmental reporting indicators incorporate our research outputs and datasets
Landcare Research continues to support MfE and Statistics NZ to implement the National Environmental Reporting Act 2015. We made a significant contribution to the development and reporting of national indicators used in the Environment Aotearoa 2015 state of environment report. Most recently, we led work to develop te ao Māori indicators under the Act, and continue to work closely with various regional councils to develop standard methods and indicators in support of national-scale environmental reporting. We provided advice to the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner on the Commissioner’s response to the Environment Aotearoa 2015 report. We are in early-stage discussions with MfE and Statistics NZ about Landcare Research’s role in supporting the forthcoming Land Domain report, a key component of the regular suite of environmental reporting now in train under the Act. A number of senior staff provided expert advice to the forthcoming Environmental Performance Review of New Zealand by the OECD, which will include a heavy focus on environmental reporting.
Improving freshwater management: Limit-setting processes under the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management are informed by our research and models
Landcare Research has played an advisory role in supporting all collaborative limit-setting processes currently in train in New Zealand. We have provided a variety of research to inform limit-setting activities in at least five regions, particularly in the areas of resource economics, soils, sediment/erosion, irrigation potential, microbial contaminants, Māori values, social science, and land use modelling. One of our senior staff has recently been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group on Freshwater Allocation.
Sustainable primary sector growth: Increased number of projects with the primary sector
Two MoUs were signed with primary sector entities to progress collaboration. One Service Level Agreement was signed with a primary sector partner to deliver a large-scale contracted programme. Landcare Research is a Foundation Partner in a Regional Research Institute proposal currently under assessment, which has a strong primary sector focus. We are also involved in three Regional Growth Strategy Action Plan programme areas to support sustainable land use by the primary sector, including Māori agribusiness interests. We continue to develop strategic partnerships and collaborative opportunities with the mānuka honey and natural products sectors, leveraging the biological collections and supporting the growth of international export market value for New Zealand.
Developing Māori land: New partnerships and projects with Māori entities and agri-business
Using marae-based methods, Landcare Research created a science bridge for Māori agribusiness through advice on land-use capability and soils to improve land use and production capability. Post-settlement supplier agreements are now in place to deliver research on flood mitigation, river health, and identification of land-based pressures on waterways. New partnerships were also forged to futureproof mānuka honey production.
BioHeritage Challenge: All seven planned science projects are initiated
Five projects are contracted and underway, and a further two are in the process of contracting, with work to begin early 2016/17 (some preliminary work was done in each project to finalise the project direction before contracting).
Lincoln Hub: MOU (or equivalent) signed with at least two private sector entities for joint R&D activities
We have shown leadership within the Hub to help create two large-scale research opportunities with industry overseas. We expect that contracts will be signed to initiate R&D activities for both opportunities within the first quarter of 2016/17.